What should I expect from an Evora S
Discussion
Hi,
I'm looking to replace an old 996 C4S Porsche. I want a 2+2 (so that I can occasional drop the kids to school). I'd also like something that feels very mechanical and involving. Some apparent obvious choices just seem a little too remote and not so engaging. Budget wise, I'd be looking at a nice Evora S or maybe the bottom end of the 400 market. Usage is fun drives and occasional weekends away with my partner.
I see so many conflicting opinions on these cars, and I fully understand that people look for and appreciate, different things in a car, that I'm unsure on what I should expect from either. Are they a more intimate version of 997 911? or are they an Elise with more comforts?
It would be great if a few of you could share your ownership experiences and maybe the things that these cars do very well, and the areas where they are compromised.
Thanks all.
I'm looking to replace an old 996 C4S Porsche. I want a 2+2 (so that I can occasional drop the kids to school). I'd also like something that feels very mechanical and involving. Some apparent obvious choices just seem a little too remote and not so engaging. Budget wise, I'd be looking at a nice Evora S or maybe the bottom end of the 400 market. Usage is fun drives and occasional weekends away with my partner.
I see so many conflicting opinions on these cars, and I fully understand that people look for and appreciate, different things in a car, that I'm unsure on what I should expect from either. Are they a more intimate version of 997 911? or are they an Elise with more comforts?
It would be great if a few of you could share your ownership experiences and maybe the things that these cars do very well, and the areas where they are compromised.
Thanks all.
Thanks both for the replies. I will arrange a test drive or two, my concern is that I think with a car that is so unconventional, it can be hard to really understand what you're getting into on the back of an hour or so test. I'm pretty sure it will be a very enjoyable drivers car, and I don't really need it to be particularly practical.
The short list is down to a late 997 C2S, an R8 (though really rather a 2+2) or the Evora.
The short list is down to a late 997 C2S, an R8 (though really rather a 2+2) or the Evora.
More good feedback, thanks all.
I've looked at GTRs and they are amazing cars but I've realized that things I enjoy about the 911 are in some ways the flaws. Which I describe as feeling mechanical - you have to guide and coax it as opposed to grabbing by the scruff of the neck which is how I felt about the GTR - amazing car, but not what I'm after this time.
Interesting comments on sound, my 911 has switchable exhaust and sounds nice (is another thing that puts me off GTR and 911turbo).
I'm pretty sure the Evora will be practical enough, it really is the driving characteristics I'm wondering about. I've read plenty of reports rating a Cayman as better. I like the Cayman but it isn't actually any more fun than mine (it may be better balanced but it doesn't make it more fun).
I'm really warming to the idea of an Evora S. Will be visiting one or two on Saturday all being well.
I've looked at GTRs and they are amazing cars but I've realized that things I enjoy about the 911 are in some ways the flaws. Which I describe as feeling mechanical - you have to guide and coax it as opposed to grabbing by the scruff of the neck which is how I felt about the GTR - amazing car, but not what I'm after this time.
Interesting comments on sound, my 911 has switchable exhaust and sounds nice (is another thing that puts me off GTR and 911turbo).
I'm pretty sure the Evora will be practical enough, it really is the driving characteristics I'm wondering about. I've read plenty of reports rating a Cayman as better. I like the Cayman but it isn't actually any more fun than mine (it may be better balanced but it doesn't make it more fun).
I'm really warming to the idea of an Evora S. Will be visiting one or two on Saturday all being well.
So far, I've had a very poor hit rate of dealers returning my calls. I guess the cars sell pretty readily so they don't have to bother too much with service levels (they're all polite and pleasant when you do speak to them, just poor at responding). I'd fall out with them rapidly if it was the same approach in after sales.
I don't have a lot of time to go and look at cars so it's probably going to push me away from an Evora into something easier to source and with more options for help / service / support.
Thank you all for the answers so far, they're clearly a lovely car and would fit the bill very well. I'll keep my eye open for the right one sold by the right people and hopefully that comes along before I've ran out of patience and bought an R8 or something similar.
I don't have a lot of time to go and look at cars so it's probably going to push me away from an Evora into something easier to source and with more options for help / service / support.
Thank you all for the answers so far, they're clearly a lovely car and would fit the bill very well. I'll keep my eye open for the right one sold by the right people and hopefully that comes along before I've ran out of patience and bought an R8 or something similar.
I should be careful not to over egg the pudding. I've only spoken with Lotus dealers and as I said, very pleasant and courteous when actually speaking with them, just not reliable with call backs and responses. I suspect that the small pool of cars available means that the sale is inevitable irrespective.
I don't have much time spare to look at cars, it's only going to work if I spot one and then move very quickly to do a deal.
Any strong recommendations for dealers or independants?
I don't have much time spare to look at cars, it's only going to work if I spot one and then move very quickly to do a deal.
Any strong recommendations for dealers or independants?
Yes, I spoke to them a short while ago about a car they had in (before the photos hit the web site). Had a phone discussion as they couldn't show the car that day (Friday of the GP - fair enough) and then the car was sold on the Monday before I could get to see it. They have NA and 400s at the moment but no S.
It looks as though there are not many S models in circulation and I suspect people are happy to reserve them over the phone. I don't know the cars well enough to be happy to that. I would have to spot and get to a car very quickly which will be tricky, everything will have to just land right (I work over seas and only have the occasional weekend available). It would be a shame to have to go to a more mainstream / readily available choice, I really do fancy giving the Evora a try for a year or two but based on what I've seen over the last month, I'm either going to have to buy a car based on an advert or be extremely patient....
It looks as though there are not many S models in circulation and I suspect people are happy to reserve them over the phone. I don't know the cars well enough to be happy to that. I would have to spot and get to a car very quickly which will be tricky, everything will have to just land right (I work over seas and only have the occasional weekend available). It would be a shame to have to go to a more mainstream / readily available choice, I really do fancy giving the Evora a try for a year or two but based on what I've seen over the last month, I'm either going to have to buy a car based on an advert or be extremely patient....
The more I look at them the more I like the looks. There is something to really like about all derivatives. All the photos posted on this thread are lovely cars.
I'm drawn to louder colours - White, orange, yellow etc but I don't think I can afford to be too choosey. I saw a lovely black car in Bristol a few weeks ago - it looked quite sinister.
Cars I've been looking at / considering ..... And the reasons why I'm a little put off and keep thinking the Evora might be the best option for me.....
Have been using an 5.0 F-Type for a few weeks (it's gone now). Lovely car but big and heavy, totally dominated by the engine and transmission - it's a muscle car more than a sports car.
I drove another Nissan GT-R yesterday (mild tune). They're amazing machines, ugly as sin, very serious performance, I'm not sure it's enjoyable at 7 10ths. Almost too capable to enjoy on the road. Brilliantly engineered and special in its unique way.
DB9 Volante, a beautiful thing in its own right, definitely a tourer / cruiser but with a glorious engine and ... Just a really beautiful thing.
I'm so hopeful that the feel in an Evora makes it interesting to drive at 7 10ths as well as 10 10ths. I've found another S to have a look at, everything goes to plan and I might make a move on it this week.
I'm drawn to louder colours - White, orange, yellow etc but I don't think I can afford to be too choosey. I saw a lovely black car in Bristol a few weeks ago - it looked quite sinister.
Cars I've been looking at / considering ..... And the reasons why I'm a little put off and keep thinking the Evora might be the best option for me.....
Have been using an 5.0 F-Type for a few weeks (it's gone now). Lovely car but big and heavy, totally dominated by the engine and transmission - it's a muscle car more than a sports car.
I drove another Nissan GT-R yesterday (mild tune). They're amazing machines, ugly as sin, very serious performance, I'm not sure it's enjoyable at 7 10ths. Almost too capable to enjoy on the road. Brilliantly engineered and special in its unique way.
DB9 Volante, a beautiful thing in its own right, definitely a tourer / cruiser but with a glorious engine and ... Just a really beautiful thing.
I'm so hopeful that the feel in an Evora makes it interesting to drive at 7 10ths as well as 10 10ths. I've found another S to have a look at, everything goes to plan and I might make a move on it this week.
Well you are all making me want one even more ! ..... Thank You !.... I think :-)
Everything makes sense about the comparisons to 400s and also to the 991 etc so thanks again for all of the feedback, very useful to hear how owners feel about them as opposed to the journalists.
I saw the private car in the classifieds, it looks a fine car but I'd need to see the colour in the flesh. I Like the sound of the car which will shortly be at Silverstone as well. If the car that I'm viewing tomorrow turns out not to be the one for me, I'll be trying to get to that one.
Have decided to try and be patient and keep looking for an Evora for a little while yet. I looked at a number of different cars over the weekend and on reflection, any of them would be a big compromise on what I want. So fingers crossed for tomorrow's car, and if not... I'm going to try to be patient.
Everything makes sense about the comparisons to 400s and also to the 991 etc so thanks again for all of the feedback, very useful to hear how owners feel about them as opposed to the journalists.
I saw the private car in the classifieds, it looks a fine car but I'd need to see the colour in the flesh. I Like the sound of the car which will shortly be at Silverstone as well. If the car that I'm viewing tomorrow turns out not to be the one for me, I'll be trying to get to that one.
Have decided to try and be patient and keep looking for an Evora for a little while yet. I looked at a number of different cars over the weekend and on reflection, any of them would be a big compromise on what I want. So fingers crossed for tomorrow's car, and if not... I'm going to try to be patient.
Both lovely looking cars Sumsion. I don't think I'd feel hard done by in either.
This is an S with all the packs, the kids fit in the back (while its new and novel they are arguing over who gets to sit in the back... Not sure that will last though). Feels very lively, I'd say a little more sprightly than the C4S but it feels more exciting because it's so agile and "front endy" if that makes any sense as an expression.
This is an S with all the packs, the kids fit in the back (while its new and novel they are arguing over who gets to sit in the back... Not sure that will last though). Feels very lively, I'd say a little more sprightly than the C4S but it feels more exciting because it's so agile and "front endy" if that makes any sense as an expression.
CTE said:
I am having a communication with a mate right now with a 997 and basically they are light on the front end, so much so that you have to steam into a corner with the brakes hard on to get traction, and then get on the power early, but not too much of either otherwise you`ll become part of the scenery. It is not massively dissimilar with the Evora, but you`ll ease off the brakes as you turn in. With some track time you`ll find the Evora is extremely playful and adjustable. On the road its compliant ride and superb balance means that some ridiculous speeds can be carried through bends...only on Autobahns of course.
911s are weird. Mine was a 4 wheel drive and they have more weight on the front axle, and a little calmer steering as a result of the small amount of drive at the front wheels. The way it always felt to me was that you had to be quite deliberate / careful on turn in to avoid under steer (you could brake deep but had to turn it in pretty gently). But you could get on the gas very hard and very early. Most of the sideways moments I had (which were limited - after years of M3s etc being sideways everywhere) were due to rapid left / right type direction changes where you suddenly became aware of all the weight hanging out the back, despite it never really showing itself in normal cornering other than with huge traction.I'm very new to the Evora, but the front end feels great in comparison, much more keen to turn in. I haven't experimented with braking deep in it yet so I have a lot to learn there. It has already shown that it has a lively back end, and when tidying it back up, I can see comparisons to the 911 in contrast with front engine cars. It's as if you have to manage the weight / momentum in a very different way to front engined cars. You have to balance / catch it first, and then bring it back in line, its almost two distinct phases. I think in front engined cars these phases are somehow less distinct... Could just be me being a little cack handed. Looking forward to playing on track and learning the car properly.
Once again, thanks all for the comments and advice.
That's an interesting point - are two cars with the same weight ratio between the front and rear axles going to behave the same way irrespective of how the weight is centralised (or not)?... I'm really not sure but there must be some impact of moments of inertia etc? I have to do some reading.
The de-cat pipe looks a good call Ade, I'll do a little research and get that sorted straight away.
And Shnozz, yes, it seems to attract plenty of attention - I'm going to have to get used to that (my 911 was pretty subtle - unlike this). I wasn't too concerned about the color - had a short list that included most but Orange, Yellow, White was probably my order of preference. I had planned the SR wrap before I actually bought the car, just from looking at and comparing pictures. I probably still will, but I also really like it as it is.
I still think that's a brave call Blue, but 10/10 for letting him have a go. Unless it was in lieu of a pay rise!
Jayemm, I like the C4S and 355 videos, I always think that people are either petrol heads or they are not. And if they are, they will find plenty to love in all of these interesting cars even if they have different strengths. I think you capture that very well.
I've been able to stretch the cars legs more this evening. It's a lovely thing to throw down a nice B road. Am very happy that I've made the right choice and that I didn't fall for the glamour of an Aston or the Performance of the GTR (lovely in their way). Need to start planning some tweaks to make it mine.
Anyone have experience of Pulley / remap / charge cool mods other than Komo Tec or are they the only people to look at?
And Shnozz, yes, it seems to attract plenty of attention - I'm going to have to get used to that (my 911 was pretty subtle - unlike this). I wasn't too concerned about the color - had a short list that included most but Orange, Yellow, White was probably my order of preference. I had planned the SR wrap before I actually bought the car, just from looking at and comparing pictures. I probably still will, but I also really like it as it is.
I still think that's a brave call Blue, but 10/10 for letting him have a go. Unless it was in lieu of a pay rise!
Jayemm, I like the C4S and 355 videos, I always think that people are either petrol heads or they are not. And if they are, they will find plenty to love in all of these interesting cars even if they have different strengths. I think you capture that very well.
I've been able to stretch the cars legs more this evening. It's a lovely thing to throw down a nice B road. Am very happy that I've made the right choice and that I didn't fall for the glamour of an Aston or the Performance of the GTR (lovely in their way). Need to start planning some tweaks to make it mine.
Anyone have experience of Pulley / remap / charge cool mods other than Komo Tec or are they the only people to look at?
Thanks for the kind comments guys, I am loving the car and am glad you all talked me into it. Loving the sounds from both the de cat car and full system one above, sound brilliant.... Need to get something sorted as its a bit too quiet and smooth at the moment.
Any recommendations for barge boards, splitter and wrapping in the Midlands?
Any recommendations for barge boards, splitter and wrapping in the Midlands?
Jayemm, Would be happy to try to help, feel free to contact me.
Richard, I've just contacted them - will let you know.
Benny, Its a little too early for me to really say. I haven't actually accelerated hard out of a tight junction yet so I can't say if it would just spin up an inside wheel. What I can say, from having played with the handling in 2nd and 3rd gear corners is that you can certainly provoke it into a slide with power, and you can certainly hold it on the power. I haven't had a just spinning up the inside wheel moment yet. But I wouldn't expect to be able to drive down a straight road with half a turn of opposite lock on in the way you can in an M3. There are many on here with loads more experience than me and I'm sure they'll give better answers.
Partly related point, in poorer conditions, the stability control allows the car to get quite a bit out of shape (it can't overcome the laws of physics, when the grip is gone, its gone). It's might be playing up, or it is adventurous in how far it will let the car go and is very subtle in how it brings things back in line, to the point where I'm not sure if it is tidied up by 'it' or by me (I know that normally means its 'it'). This is an observation limited to wet conditions so far, so it maybe just the total lack of grip in places on damp roads after a dry spell..... I need to do some more investigating..... Great fun.
I should also say that the car is a joy to drive at lower speeds as well. Someone made a comment earlier in this thread that they are fun at 4 tenths. That can sound at odds with a quick car in a balanced chassis when many of us like to have a car moving around. But its absolutely true, the weight and response of the controls, the steering speed, weight, feel, the view through the windscreen (and comedy view in the rear mirror). The car undoubtedly has lovely handling and is quick enough, but it really is a lovely thing to drive at lower speeds as well. You still feel very involved in driving it, it still gives you loads of feedback while being a pretty nice place to be sat. I know this can sound like bulls
t, but it really does seem to be true.
Richard, I've just contacted them - will let you know.
Benny, Its a little too early for me to really say. I haven't actually accelerated hard out of a tight junction yet so I can't say if it would just spin up an inside wheel. What I can say, from having played with the handling in 2nd and 3rd gear corners is that you can certainly provoke it into a slide with power, and you can certainly hold it on the power. I haven't had a just spinning up the inside wheel moment yet. But I wouldn't expect to be able to drive down a straight road with half a turn of opposite lock on in the way you can in an M3. There are many on here with loads more experience than me and I'm sure they'll give better answers.
Partly related point, in poorer conditions, the stability control allows the car to get quite a bit out of shape (it can't overcome the laws of physics, when the grip is gone, its gone). It's might be playing up, or it is adventurous in how far it will let the car go and is very subtle in how it brings things back in line, to the point where I'm not sure if it is tidied up by 'it' or by me (I know that normally means its 'it'). This is an observation limited to wet conditions so far, so it maybe just the total lack of grip in places on damp roads after a dry spell..... I need to do some more investigating..... Great fun.
I should also say that the car is a joy to drive at lower speeds as well. Someone made a comment earlier in this thread that they are fun at 4 tenths. That can sound at odds with a quick car in a balanced chassis when many of us like to have a car moving around. But its absolutely true, the weight and response of the controls, the steering speed, weight, feel, the view through the windscreen (and comedy view in the rear mirror). The car undoubtedly has lovely handling and is quick enough, but it really is a lovely thing to drive at lower speeds as well. You still feel very involved in driving it, it still gives you loads of feedback while being a pretty nice place to be sat. I know this can sound like bulls
t, but it really does seem to be true.I'm in the yes camp on barge boards.... Not rushing it yet though - will be co-ordinated with the wrap decision.
CTE .... lol.... I did say earlier in the thread that I have no patience. I've been trying to make my mind up on a next car for months, finally homed in on an Evora S and then got really irritated that I missed 3 so quickly. So when I saw one that read exactly as I wanted (and saw the ad within minutes of it going on line, I was straight on the phone). The dealer I bought it from was also a little taken aback at my insistence of making the bank transfer and driving it home same day based on a 2:00pm appointment.
Ref the handling, it's certainly sliding around a lot on the damp roads after the pretty dry spell that we've had around here this week. It has been extremely slippy some mornings and I'm sure the more pronounced incidents are more down to really low grip levels than anything else - though it did surprise me. In the dry, it will go sideways on the power out of roundabouts etc pretty much when you want it to, once again, I don't mean 200yard smokey drifts. Bear in mind this is when you're provoking it as opposed to it being almost unavoidable when pressing on (like in an M3). I've noticed talk of tyre pressures making quite a big difference with people recommending dropping down to 30 all round, mine are currently higher which is probably particularly relevant on the damp, slippy mornings.
That's interesting on the diff / traction control BravoV8V, I'm still learning my way around it at the moment so can't really comment other than it certainly will slide when you ask it to instead of spinning up the inside wheel. I guess it's using wheel speed sensors and ABS / TCS to mange this - so will the 'LSD like" characteristics change with the Stability control on or off?
Finally .... PowerFold mirrors. I read the rumor that all cars have the motors, and it's only the switch that you get to activate the option. Had a look at my car and it seemed to have the motors. £10 on eBay for a new mirror switch and I now have powerfold mirrors. :-)
CTE .... lol.... I did say earlier in the thread that I have no patience. I've been trying to make my mind up on a next car for months, finally homed in on an Evora S and then got really irritated that I missed 3 so quickly. So when I saw one that read exactly as I wanted (and saw the ad within minutes of it going on line, I was straight on the phone). The dealer I bought it from was also a little taken aback at my insistence of making the bank transfer and driving it home same day based on a 2:00pm appointment.
Ref the handling, it's certainly sliding around a lot on the damp roads after the pretty dry spell that we've had around here this week. It has been extremely slippy some mornings and I'm sure the more pronounced incidents are more down to really low grip levels than anything else - though it did surprise me. In the dry, it will go sideways on the power out of roundabouts etc pretty much when you want it to, once again, I don't mean 200yard smokey drifts. Bear in mind this is when you're provoking it as opposed to it being almost unavoidable when pressing on (like in an M3). I've noticed talk of tyre pressures making quite a big difference with people recommending dropping down to 30 all round, mine are currently higher which is probably particularly relevant on the damp, slippy mornings.
That's interesting on the diff / traction control BravoV8V, I'm still learning my way around it at the moment so can't really comment other than it certainly will slide when you ask it to instead of spinning up the inside wheel. I guess it's using wheel speed sensors and ABS / TCS to mange this - so will the 'LSD like" characteristics change with the Stability control on or off?
Finally .... PowerFold mirrors. I read the rumor that all cars have the motors, and it's only the switch that you get to activate the option. Had a look at my car and it seemed to have the motors. £10 on eBay for a new mirror switch and I now have powerfold mirrors. :-)
Edited by Hungrymc on Friday 29th July 16:46
Gassing Station | Evora | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff